Shaolin

The techniques became popular and evolved into more refined systems of self-defense, hunting, military strategy, and fundamental tactics.  There are a variety of styles including exercises to mimic the movements of specific animals, philosophies, legends, or myths; others are more external, focusing more on improving muscle fitness and power.  There are a variety of styles in Kung Fu and each offers a different technique for self-defense, health, and self-improvement.

The two distinct categories are Northern and Southern style; Northern focusing more on kicking with Southern focusing more on hand techniques.  Within each category are the sub-categories of “Internal”, focusing on fluid and graceful power, and “External” spotlighting on developing the body to generate power.

Most everyone is aware of the coveted Black Belt level of achievement, but do not understand the levels that must be reached before achieving this height of discipline, control, skill, and power.  There are thousands of dojos around the world teaching the art; each with varying degrees of skills that are required to meet a precise level of expertise to be awarded a “Belt”.   Each level of attainment is identified by a specific color to the belt.

The different levels of achievement and belt colors are:

• White Belt – Initially earned to depict a solid foundation and understanding of the various techniques at a beginner’s level.  It includes stances, basic punches, and fundamental kicking methods.  Most people take about two months to achieve this level.

• Gold Belt – This is the next level that builds upon the basic skills and typically takes about three months to reach this level.

• Orange Belt – This level focuses on some advanced techniques including hand movements, blocking, punching, and next level of kicking.  This level takes about three months to earn.

• Green Belt – This level focuses on more challenging techniques including strength and speed.  This level usually takes four months to achieve.

• Blue Belt – In this level you are introduced to the use of weapons in fighting, which typically including a broadsword, and is much more vigorous.  An additional four months of training typically achieves this belt.

• Red Belt – This level exemplifies superior speed, power, and form when demonstrating the various techniques.  This level takes an additional six months of work.

• Black Belt – This is the advanced and final level exhibiting expertise in the skills learned.  Once previous belts are achieved, this level takes an additional year to achieve.

The term Kung Fu translates as “time and effort” and includes various levels of achievement which identifies the skills and proficiency of the students.  It takes months, or even years of dedication, practice, and discipline to reach this much desired highest level.  Kung Fu is not an attack-based skill, rather relying more on skill and swift movement to evade attack.  Achieving each level of understanding and expertise is rewarded with a specifically colored belt.

Photo Credits: bozzo2m

Originally posted 2010-04-19 16:55:11.

Ground Fighting

On the street - 80-90% of all fights end up on the ground. This is enough awareness to make the case for learning to fight on the ground and it is the fuel behind the cage fighting craze.

The Gracie family started the UFC and dominated the cage fighting arena by having a training background in grappling - ground fighting.  All they had to do was take their opponent to the ground as soon as possible and even the most experienced black belt was helpless without having experience in ground fighting.

As the sport progressed, so did the ground fighting skills of the athletes performing at these events.

The truth is that for you to be skilled in street self-defense, you must learn how to fight and grapple on the ground. However, fighting on the ground in a street fight is hardly realistic. Consider the following:

Multiple Attackers

If you are on the ground focused on a wrestling match with an opponent, you leave yourself open to more attackers. Remember, whether you are controlling your opponent or your opponent is in control - you are still tied up.

Restricted Movements

Being off your feet, you limit your ability to react or run if required. Getting someone off his or her feet is a key strategy in combat and the same applies to you. Your goal in realistic self-defense should be to ALWAYS stay on your feet.

Weapons

In addition, being on the ground will make it challenging for you to respond to weapons or other dangerous elements that are introduced into the situation. In a cage, you only have the chain links and mat to worry about. However, in the street you have concrete, chairs, and sharp objects to avoid.

The best way to learn to stay on your feet is to learn the strengths and weaknesses of ground fighting tactics.  For example: how to keep your balance when an opponent attempts to move you around. Keeping a low center of gravity is a simple, but effective foundational strategy for staying on your feet.  Getting into a low stance prior to an encounter and during the fight will aid in keeping off the ground.

You can practice this concept by having a partner try to pick you up off the ground. The first time you should stand straight with both of your feet touching.  The second time get in a lower stance (maybe a horse stance) and have them pick you up again. With practice you can make it much harder for your opponent to pick you up or knock you off-balance.  It is easy to be pushed over or off-balance when you are not in a low stance.  You might remember this advice from high school if you ever played American tackle football or rugby.

The only true strategy that will give you the combative edge will be training. Work with your partner on trying to stay off the ground while they work on tactics to take you down.

Photo Credits: The National Guard

Originally posted 2010-04-01 13:37:46.

Bruce Lee Statue

But many martial arts were developed back when conventional weapons and hands and fists were used to dominate other people. Today's world is drastically different. If you want to become a world-class survival artist in the modern world, you have to embrace not only martial arts, but knowing how to avoid trouble in the first place and build a secure, balanced life. Here's how you can hone your survival skills outside of the conventional martial arts.

Learn urban and rural survival skills. Sure, you may be a good martial artist, but if you're ever caught in a tough situation in an urban environment, could you survive with your wits alone? Urban survival can include different skills such as blending in with the crowd, learning how to escape a city, and using technology to your advantage. Rural survival skills are also crucial, as you never know when you might get trapped in a survival situation far from the comforts of civilization.

Learn financial survival skills. The economic crisis that the world sunk into last year is a wake-up call: today's financial world doesn't stand on stable ground, and all of the martial arts skills in the world won't help you retain your bank account should a bigger crisis hit. How protected is your financial situation? If you lose your job, will you be out of money in a hurry, or do you have emergency funds saved? Do you have all of your money in cash, or do you diversify with commodities like gold and silver?

Avoiding danger, even while traveling. It's not possible to always avoid danger, but that doesn't mean you should walk into the rough part of town simply because you have a black belt. A wise martial artist knows how to avoid danger in the first place, even if you're in places that you don't know quite as well as your home. Make sure that you generally avoid bad areas, rough situations, and, when overseas, areas where tourists are constantly targeted. Information is valuable, so ask around if you're not sure.

The modern renaissance man won't only know how to defend himself, but how to protect himself and his lifestyle. Being able to block a punch is great, but achieving more balance can help you survive other threats to your livelihood.

Photo Credits: juanma.

Originally posted 2010-01-26 03:36:15.